Melbourne, Australia— Mazda has just launched its 'evolved' RX-8 sports car in Australia, priced from less that $50,000.

The
new model evolution is more a mid-life update which includes a slight
nip-and-tuck to the design and subtle changes to the powerplant.

There is also a new model added to the line-up, the GT, taking the model count to three.

Mazda expects to sell about 75 models per month in Australia, and pricing for the Mazda RX-8 is as follows:

Mazda RX-8: $49,720 Mazda RX-8 Luxury: $55,520 Mazda RX-8 GT: $57,625

All models are offered with reconfigured 6-speed manual transmission that combines with a drive shorter final drive of 4.777:1 (up from 4.444:1) which is expected to provide the car with a bit more acceleration.

There
is also a new 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, but it's only available
on the RX-8 Luxury model and adds $1,645 to the price.

Other
mechanical changes include revisions to the suspension which "sharpen
RX-8's reflexes and deliver more compliant ride" according to Mazda.

Though
the power output on manual models hasn't changed from 170kW @ 8200rpm,
Mazda says minor engine changes "bolster low- to mid-range
response and high-end thrills" have been made to the twin rotor
1.3-litre motor.

Peak power is 211Nm @ 5500rpm on both manual and
automatic versions, though automatic models get a 12kW power drop
to 158kW @ 7500rpm.

Changes to the car's appearance have taken
place mainly at the front of the vehicle, which displays a more
aggressive face than previously.

The headlights have a more
streamlined look and the entire front apron has been redesigned, with
new grille designs and evenfog lights on some models. New LED brake lights and a new rear apron give the rear end an updated image.

The RX-8 Luxury buyers will get a choice of red or black leather interiors.

For
the buyer who wants to drive the RX-8 to enjoy the journey and not
just the destination, there is the new GT model. It features larger
19-inch alloy wheels fitted with low profile 225/40 tyres and upgraded
suspension, including Bilstein shock absorbers.

The
Mazda RX-8 GT model is 23 kilograms lighter than the Luxury RX-8 but
5kg heavier than the entry level RX-8. The GT gets Recaro sports seats,
plus a sports body kit with side skirts, a rear spoiler and a low front
lip spoiler.

Mazda claims that during recent
testing, the "RX-8 GT laps the Calder Park racing circuit an impressive
1.9 seconds quicker than the superseded model in back-to-back testing,"
which suggests the changes to the new performance model have had an
impact.

Alastair Doak, Mazda Australia’s
national marketing manager, said: "The Mazda RX-8 is more than just
another great driver's car from Mazda. It is the physical embodiment of
Mazda's unique rotary heritage, and as such its importance goes beyond
mere numbers on a sales chart.

"The unique features of
the RX-8 ensure that its sales remain strong for a longer period than
conventional sports cars, which traditionally have a very limited
‘shelf life’."

All models get a 290 litre capacity boot, and the fuel tank has increased from 61 to 65 litres for an improved cruising range.

With
it's unconventional rear doors, wankel engine, and edgy design, almost
5,400 Mazda RX-8s have been sold in Australia since 2003. Globally more
than 170,000 of the Japanese sports cars have found their way into
garages and carports.